(This Chapter is kinda weird to edit/translate)
A gift for V5?
What could it be?
Taiji was confused. He understood what the Fels family wanted to do, but he was worried. V5 had a lot of power, and the Fels family was already going beyond the limits by relying on the Republic of Padokea for protection. Could they possibly threaten V5?
His answer came quickly, on the TV screen in front of him.
A press conference was being broadcast. Taiji immediately recognized the man on the stage—he was one of the leaders of a nation. He was a powerful figure who could control his country's destiny, even if he wasn't a king or prime minister.
As a member of the V5 Committee, Taiji had learned a lot about the important people and politics of different countries. The conference scene was extraordinary in its grandeur, attracting a lot of media attention.
As the leader spoke, Taiji started to lose focus. The leader's message was simple but powerful: he was publicly expressing his dissatisfaction with the V5 and considering ending their treaty. Usually, when powerful people say things like this, we can't take them at face value. Often, they're just using these statements to try and get more power in negotiations.
But this press conference was different. It sent an unmistakable signal to V5.
"He did it?" Taiji turned stiffly to the smiling man beside him.
Could the Fels family really have that much power? Hadn't it been said that other countries avoided dealing with gangs simply because some lower-level officials took bribes? How could such a high-ranking figure be involved?
"Change it," Oboro said, ignoring Taiji's shocked expression.
David pressed the remote and switched to another press conference that was exactly the same size and format. On stage, another national leader expressed almost identical sentiments to the previous one.
"Continue," Oboro said, ignoring Taiji's shocked expression.
David kept switching channels, and each screen showed the same content with a different person's face.
Taiji's mind went blank. How many countries? Ten?
It was clear that these national leaders had worked together privately before holding simultaneous press conferences denouncing the "crimes" of the V5. Some of the leaders were from small countries, while others represented large nations like the Republic of Padokea. A single country's protest meant nothing, but this coordinated attack by several nations directly challenged the prestige of the Five Great Powers.
This was a big blow to the V5's authority. The human world relied on the credibility and influence of the V5 to maintain balance. If that collapsed, chaos would follow.
Once the rules were broken, war would follow. Tensions between nations would increase to dangerous levels, and preventing international conflict would require unimaginable resources, manpower, and money.
Taiji felt a tightness in his throat. His shirt was covered in cold sweat.
"Wrong! They were all wrong! Even the executives of V5 and his direct superiors had made mistakes. The Fels family hadn't just bribed lower-level officials. Such tactics could never produce this kind of power!
The Fels family hadn't taken control of the entire mafia yet, so they couldn't directly interfere with other nations' economies. So how did they do it?
"Do you know this person?" Oboro suddenly asked, pointing to a bald man on the screen. The man had a red face and was angrily criticizing V5 in front of the media.
"Yes," Taiji said, pausing to collect himself.
"Just a month ago, his wife died, killed by his own hands," Oboro said casually.
Taiji didn't say anything. He was shocked.
"A few days after the funeral, he married a young and beautiful new girlfriend, who gave birth to a son for him. She is a relative of our Fels family."
Taiji immediately understood what Oboro meant.
It's about women! It's about heirs!
"There are many people like him in their country. They are all decision makers with significant political influence! If V5 wants to wipe them all out, do you think it is possible?"
"It's impossible!" Taiji's mind automatically provided the answer.
Getting rid of all political leaders in a country would be like declaring war. The V5 was just a group of five superpowers working together, but really, those countries were in charge. They said they were promoting the development of all mankind, but that was just a cover story. It couldn't interfere in other countries' affairs.
Taiji felt very cold. If this continued, the V5 would become a laughingstock.
These leaders were under the control of the Fels family, and even if they weren't the highest officials, they still had a lot of influence. Their words were very important.
Tomorrow's news around the world would probably report the same story. The public would be outraged by this unprecedented incident.
"What do you think would happen if these people on stage became kings or general directors?" Oboro asked quietly.
Across the world, countries had different systems. Some were modern democracies, some had kings like Kakin, and some had autocratic royal families like Dongguotu. So, the leader of a country was either a king or a general councilor.
Taiji's confusion gave way to a terrifying clarity. Could the Fels family have already done this? Was this the main reason why the countries refused to get involved in the Black Current incident?
Suddenly, a loud ringing sound broke the silence, coming from Taiji's pocket.
"Excuse me, Mr. Oboro Oboro, I need to take a call."
He didn't need to look at his phone to know who was calling or why. V5 headquarters must be in complete disarray by now. The Foreign Ministry and the Council would be overwhelmed.
He stood unsteadily, his face pale, and his words stuttering. Even the way he addressed Oboro had changed.
"It's okay, I'll wait for you, go ahead," Oboro waved dismissively.
Taiji took out his cell phone and quickly left the room.
"Turn up the volume so I can enjoy this performance," Oboro said happily when only he and David were left.
David increased the volume on the TV.
"You say the fate of mankind and nations is controlled by these greedy, selfish people. Isn't that tragic?" Oboro thought for a moment.
"That is one of the reasons why we chose them and helped them. Without us, they would never have reached such positions. Besides, it actually benefits your plan, sir," David replied. "As for the future of the citizens of these nations, that is clearly beyond their consideration. They make passionate speeches full of righteous anger now, but the moment they step off the stage, they're likely to throw themselves into the arms of a beautiful woman or indulge their baser desires."
"Some leaders are genuinely responsible, but based on our experiences, those are rare. Some leaders may start their careers with good intentions, but they eventually give in to human nature. Once their weaknesses are exposed, they quickly fall."
"Hehehe." Oboro laughed.
In the president's office, Netero was kneeling in front of a chessboard. The secretary with the bean-like face was standing next to him.
They had been playing chess, but their attention was focused on the television screen on the wall. A powerful political figure was using this press conference to negotiate, and innocent civilians would suffer the consequences, though the impact on them would be minimal.
"Just shut it down," Netero said, lowering his eyebrows, putting down his teacup, and sighing.
"President, V5 is still waiting for your answer on Oboro," the man with the bean-like face reminded him.
"Never mind."
The old man looked out the window at the dark night sky. He already knew about the Fels family and Oboro's involvement. It was clear that Oboro was behind the chaos.
Has this young junior already reached this level of influence?
Meanwhile, in a bar on the Yorbian continent, Ging Freecss, wearing disheveled clothes, sat. A special drink sat untouched in front of him as he and the other people in the bar watched the news on TV.
After watching for a while, Ging lowered his head and murmured to himself. He placed some Buddhist prayer beads on the counter, stood up, and walked out with his hands in his pockets.
Outside, he breathed in the stale air of the evening.
In the dark room, a light flickered, casting shadows on the walls.
Pariston sat with his arms crossed, the room lights off, staring blankly at the small figure on the TV screen. His gaze was sharp, and his thoughts were hard to guess.
In the Kakin Empire, in a fancy private room, Beyond Netero lay half-naked on a large soft bed, holding his head up with one hand.
Several beautiful, unclothed women surrounded him. Some were massaging his muscles. Others were feeding him delicacies from a fruit platter.
Beyond was watching TV, and his lips were slowly curling into a smile. His eyes showed intense emotion. But this made the lines and scars on his forehead stand out even more.
"Ha ha ha ha ha!" His laugh was deep and steady.
His eyes focused, and their brightness captivated him. "Not bad! You have the courage to challenge V5, which is much better than the old man! As I expected, you are similar to me. It's about time we get rid of outdated figures like him!
"I'm really looking forward to meeting you."